BLOOMINGTON — Columbus North faced a major Conference Indiana test Friday night, and the Bull Dogs passed with flying colors.
North took a major step toward reclaiming the conference crown with a 38-14 win at Bloomington South and can clinch at least a tie for the title with a win in one of its final two regular-season games.
“That was a point of emphasis this week — to stay in the drivers seat in Conference Indiana and go 1-0 this week and keep that one-game advantage,” North coach Tim Bless said.
The Bull Dogs (4-2, 3-0) were efficient offensively, running for 301 yards and passing for 154. Blake Huffman carried 22 times for 185 yards and two touchdowns, and Luke Huffman added 11 carries for 75 yards and a score and completed 11 of 16 passes, including a 51-yard touchdown to Hayden McDaniel.
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Meanwhile, the North defense limited the Panthers (4-3, 3-2) to 58 yards rushing on 29 carries.
“I thought our defense was outstanding holding that offense to under 60 yards rushing,” Bless said. “At the same time, our offense put up 455 yards, and our offensive line played great, too.”
The Bull Dogs got on the board on its first possession on a 38-yard field goal by Carter Ward. Following a Jaxson Scruggs interception, North made it 10-0 after a 68-yard run by Huffman set up his 1-yard plunge.
Bloomington South answered with a 23-yard scoring pass from DJ Bull to Jalen Peck and got the ball back. But Scruggs intercepted Bull again, and on the next play, Hammons hit McDaniel, and North led 17-7 at halftime.
The Bull Dogs added two more touchdowns in the third quarter. The first came on a 16-yard run by Hammons, and the second was a 1-yard carry by Dyllan Redmon.
The Panthers cut into the lead with a 4-yard run by Bull in the fourth quarter, but North put the finishing touches on the victory when Huffman took it in from 34 yards.
Keegan Castetter led the Bull Dogs in receiving with five catches for 77 yards. McDaniel finished with two receptions for 56 yards.
“I’m really proud of our kids and our staff,” Bless said. “I thought it was a great team victory. All three phases played well, and we came over and played well in a hostile environment.”
